RUTLAND—After careful consideration, Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) and The Paramount Theatre have made the proactive decision to postpone the Parade of Heroes & Community Celebration, originally scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28, to a later date.
In mid-June, CEDRR and The Paramount Theatre released plans for a Parade of Heroes & Community Celebration to commemorate the end of Covid-19 restrictions in the Vermont — highlighted by a parade of essential and frontline workers in downtown Rutland.
Since the initial announcement of the event, cases for Covid-19 have increased at a rapid rate throughout Vermont, creating uncertainty and additional workloads for many essential workers, many of whom were planning to participate in the event and deserve to be recognized.
“The intentions of our event have always been and will continue to be bringing our community together, celebrating the resilience we have experienced, and honoring our essential workers in a respectful way,” said Lyle Jepson, CEDRR executive director. “Our plans to do this are still exactly the same, but at a time when our essential workers can truly partake in the festivities and be honored for their hard work and dedication.”
Eric Mallette, executive director of The Paramount, said, “We are fully committed to bringing this event in its full capacity to downtown Rutland in what we hope to be the near future. Our community has shown resiliency throughout the pandemic and an ability to pivot when necessary. We will continue to do this as we navigate the necessary actions to host a respectful and appropriately timed event for our essential workers when they can attend and truly be recognized.”
A new date has not been set for the event. However, CEDRR, The Paramount, and their partners will continue to work diligently to ensure a Parade of Heroes & Community Celebration is brought to the region when most appropriate for essential workers and the broader community. The Parade of Heroes & Community Celebration will remain the kickoff for the Rutland Whoopie Pie Fest and a new date for both events will be announced simultaneously.
